New MLS Commissioner Larry Berg: Build On World Cup Buzz With Better Soccer

Larry Berg speaks at his introductory press conference following his appointment

Larry Berg named next MLS Commissioner, eyes quality and youth growth.

MLS LAFC Co-Owner Larry Berg succeeds Don Garber...

 

MLS commissioner Larry Berg says raising the level of play and strengthening the league’s youth development system will be key priorities as the league looks to capitalize on the buzz from the 2026 World Cup.

Berg, an LAFC co-owner and private equity executive who was named Monday as Don Garber’s successor, said MLS’s first focus has to be turning the World Cup spotlight into long-term fan support, while also making sure the quality on the field keeps getting better.

“Quality on the field is ‌obviously number one,” he said. “The more we grow fandom, the more resources we have to improve the quality ‌on the field, and the more the quality on the field grows, the more ‌fandom we'll have.”

The World Cup gave U.S. fans a taste of soccer’s global scale, with record TV ratings and packed stadiums and fan zones. MLS said last week that both ticket sales and TV viewership have jumped since the tournament ended.

Berg said he’s especially focused on making MLS academies and MLS Next Pro, the league’s development league, stronger pipelines to first-team minutes.

He noted that MLS can set itself apart from other North American leagues - and from many overseas competitions - by giving teenagers consistent playing time, which would also help deepen the U.S. and Canadian national team talent pools.

"I want to see our youth academies and our MLS Next Pro be that much more productive,” Berg said.

Addressing Private Equity In Soccer

Berg, 60, has more than 30 years in private equity. He was a senior partner at Apollo Global Management until stepping down in 2022, and now works with investment firm 26North.

He tried to ease fan concerns about private equity’s expanding presence in sports, saying the sector isn’t one-size-fits-all and that the right kind of outside investment can help grow the game.

He also pointed out that private equity has evolved a lot since he started about 35 years ago, with firms now running a wide mix of strategies and goals.

According to PitchBook, 16 of MLS's 30 clubs currently have private equity investors. 

Berg cited MLS’s partnership with KKR in the league’s second division as a case where outside capital has helped clubs in smaller markets grow, including through new stadiums and deals with local governments.

He said his background would help MLS determine where institutional investment can add value - and where it’s better to pass.

Leaving LAFC To Lead The League

Berg will step down from his role with LAFC, calling it a tough decision but noting the club is “in great hands.” He said his time at LAFC showed him how important it is to let supporters help define a club’s identity.

“We co-created it with our fans from the beginning,” Berg said, pointing to fan input on the supporter section, safe-standing area, and community programs.

Introducing the next MLS Commissioner: Larry Berg.

Berg will assume the role on January 1, 2027 — Don Garber will remain Commissioner through 2026 before transitioning to Chairman in 2027.

Details: https://t.co/u68JuzrLeO pic.twitter.com/BNDcG4Zbe5

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 3, 2026

 

Garber, who stays on as commissioner through year’s end before moving into the chairman role, said Berg’s hiring reflects how much soccer has grown in the U.S.

“30 years ago, there were a bunch of kids who played, but they really hadn't elevated to be able to influence the ⁠game,” Garber said.

“Now our political leaders, our business ⁠leaders, our partners and our investors ‌have grown up, like Larry has, with the game as part of their lives.”

Here are a few rewritten options:

1. *Larry Berg addresses media at MLS HQ after being named the league’s next commissioner*

2. *New MLS commissioner Larry Berg speaks during his introductory press conference at league headquarters*

3. *Larry Berg takes the podium at MLS Headquarters for his first press conference as commissioner-elect*

4. **